Province Helping Veterans and their Families Start New Careers

Elevate Plus – Military is a pilot program launched to help teach former CAF personnel soft skills to start new careers. These skills will include conflict resolution as well as technical skills, followed by offers for paid job placements. 

On average, 3,850 service members leave the Canadian Armed Forces each year to live or work in Ontario. Their average age upon release from service is 38.5.

Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton said, “Armed Forces members generally exit the service at an age where they have many years of work ahead of them. The transition to civilian life is a dramatic one. It often requires people to learn new skills to help them find potential employers, succeed in an interview and then excel in a new work environment.”

The government of Ontario is contributing $834,900 towards the pilot program, which is possible through a partnership between the province, Quinte Economic Development Commission, and Loyalist College. The program aims to create 56 training opportunities as CFB Trenton for careers in IT and within the financial sectors.

Minister of Colleges and Universities, Ross Romano commented, “Our veterans deserve to have the ability to transition to civilian life after serving in the armed forces. Through this new regional pilot, our government is ensuring that members of our Armed Forces receive the skills and training they need to get a well-paying career in an in-demand sector.”

As well as the career-specific training, veterans and their family members will also develop important soft skills required for success in the civilian economy, such as business etiquettes and conflict resolution in the workplace.

The CEO of Quinte Economic Development Commission, Chris King explained, “Quinte Economic Development Commission is pleased to partner in this pilot project that will connect military family members and former military personnel with in-demand jobs in the Bay of Quinte Region. This fast track program will help people develop portable skills required for them to find employment in our region’s growing economy. This will help local businesses fill available positions allowing them to grow and maintain a competitive edge.”

Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, has added, “By leveraging the talents of the local military men and women at CFB Trenton, the entire Bay of Quinte community benefits. Through partnerships like this, we can help our veterans and their families support job creation, and help businesses find the skilled employees they need to succeed.” 

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development are going to consider a similar program to help other military families throughout Ontario. “We hope this pilot will serve as a model we can roll out across the province,” said Minister McNaughton.